Eriksson fancies Anelka for Man City

Anelka is more likely to join Chelsea or Manchester United in January as Eriksson has agreed with chairman Thaksin Shinawatra that he will concentrate on bringing young players to the club.

But Eriksson confirmed he would make an exception for the 28-year-old.

Eriksson said: "Are there certain players that can stretch the boundary of age? Yes. Dr Thaksin is a businessman. He is more likely to spend huge money on a young player rather than an older one but Anelka wouldn't be a problem.

"I've known about him since he played for Arsenal and I was close to signing him when I was at Lazio. We almost got him but at the last minute he went to Real Madrid instead."